How do I fix Personal Hotspot not working on an iPhone 12?
Answer
Turn on Allow Others to Join under Personal Hotspot, confirm cellular data is working on the iPhone, then restart the phone. If it still fails, turn off Low Data Mode and reset network settings as a later step.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Reset Network Settings removes saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings; have passwords ready before you continue.
Follow these steps
Enable Personal Hotspot
Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn on Allow Others to Join. If you do not see that menu, go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot instead.
You should see: A Wi-Fi password is shown and Allow Others to Join is on.
Confirm cellular data is active
Go to Settings > Cellular and make sure Cellular Data is on. Open a webpage on the iPhone using cellular (Wi-Fi off) to confirm the connection works before testing the hotspot again.
You should see: The iPhone can use cellular data on its own.
Restart the iPhone
Turn the iPhone 12 off and back on, wait until it fully reconnects to the network, then try joining the hotspot from the other device with the password shown in Personal Hotspot.
You should see: The other device connects and can load a webpage.
Turn off Low Data Mode
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. If Low Data Mode is available, turn it off, then test the hotspot again.
You should see: Hotspot traffic is less likely to be restricted by Low Data Mode.
Reset network settings
If hotspot still fails, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings, then set up Wi-Fi and Personal Hotspot again after the restart.
You should see: Network-related hotspot glitches clear and other devices can join again.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Settings > Personal Hotspot with Allow Others to Join on, a Wi-Fi password shown, and whether other devices can see the iPhone’s hotspot name.
Before you change anything: Confirm your carrier plan includes hotspot or tethering. Note your Wi-Fi passwords before a network settings reset; saved networks will be removed. Make sure cellular data works for Safari or another app on the iPhone itself first. Never share account passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.